The light heavyweight title picture seems intact with Dana White‘s plans for a rematch between reigning champion Magomed Ankalaev and former champion Alex Pereira. There were speculations that the fight could have taken place in June during International Fight Week, but Pereira turned it down. Ankalaev has since made his intentions clear about fighting anyone who steps up for the challenge, and it seems Khalil Rountree Jr. is looking to grab that opportunity.

Getting to the UFC is one challenge, and fighting for the title is another. It came as a total surprise when Khalil Rountree Jr. got the call to fight Alex Pereira at UFC 307 for the title. It was one of the most exciting title fights in 2024 and while he ended up losing the fight, he also lost the chance to fight for a title being ranked #8 at the time, which is as rare as it comes. So on most occasions, fighters would have to go back to the drawing board. For Rountree Jr., his coach claims that he’s got a big opportunity at hand.

The UFC is making its way to Azerbaijan for the first time ever, and Khalil Rountree Jr. has been given the headlining spot, as he’ll butt heads against Jamahal Hill. His coach, John Wood, believes the former title contender is just inches away from landing another title fight, and it’ll only be possible if he manages to not just beat ‘Sweet Dreams’ but put on a show while doing it.

“It’s so hard to get a path to the title. It’s so hard to even earn a title shot. But when you lose it, a lot of times, there isn’t a direct path. There isn’t an easy route to go back with… It’s one of those things where usually you’re gonna have to go back and climb that ladder again,” Khalil Rountree Jr.’s coach told Submission Radio. “This is one of those situations where if Khalil goes out and does what I know he can do, I think there’s a direct path right back to that title. And I really do think that how this fight plays out is going to direct that path a little quicker a little bit. Maybe sooner than later.”

Rountree Jr.’s coach further added, “The division is kind of, it’s a little all over the place right now. Khalil’s fighting style, there’s never going to be a boring Khalil Rountree fight on his half… He’s going to try to fight to knock you out from bell to bell… So, I think just stylistically, and coming off that Pereira fight, showing what he’s capable of doing, I think that does put us in a great spot.” 

The loss to Alex Pereira may have hurt Khalil Rountree Jr. in the moment, but it has helped him in the long run. That fight helped him recognize the flaws in his game, and his team seems have to put a lot of work into his game, since. He recently claimed to have made some adjustments ahead of his fight against Jamahal Hill. Let’s take a look at that front.

Khalil Rountree Jr. worked on his flaws after losing to Alex Pereira

Every failed attempt is experience gained for the next one, and that’s been the mantra for Khalil Rountree Jr. ‘The War Horse’ claims that the loss to Alex Pereira was essential, as he wanted to “continue to progress.” According to the former title contender, he didn’t feel like he had done anything wrong or left a stone unturned during his UFC 307 camp, but the loss helped him identify the mistakes and oversights, and although he didn’t specify it, Rountree Jr. mentioned that he now plans to add to his crew.

“[I was] thinking what could I have done better? Even though I put in a really good camp and I did my best in that camp, I always try to think that there’s like there’s always room for improvement no matter what,” Khalil Rountree Jr. stated on his YouTube channel. “A few of the things I felt like [was] I could have improved in my strength. I think I could have had an extra ear in my corner to let me know moments when my opponent was hurt that I could have capitalized on.”

It will be showtime on 21 June, and there’s not even a month left to go. An interesting thing to remember is that both Khalil Rountree Jr. and Jamahal Hill have lost their last bouts, and hence, it’s a big fight for both of them. But will it affect Alex Pereira and his title aspirations? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.